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Dryad

Exceptional diversification of floral form in a specialized pollination mutualism

Liu, Jasen1; Bogarín, Diego2; Pérez-Escobar, Oscar3; Pupulin, Franco2; Serracín, Zuleika4; Karremans, Adam2; Restrepo, Eugenio5; Xie, Yongxuan1; Ramírez, Santiago1

Published Sep 09, 2026 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.pk0p2nh1z

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Abstract

Floral morphology plays a key role in facilitating the mechanical fit between pollinators and plant reproductive organs, allowing for successful reproduction. Here, we use a diverse radiation of orchids in the Neotropics to test how independent origins of pollination by male euglossine bees seeking perfume rewards ('perfume flowers') have influenced macroevolutionary dynamics of floral shape. We demonstrate that morphology evolves faster in perfume flowers compared to other orchids, potentially mediated by reduced evolutionary integration between floral components. Taken together, our results provide insight into the ways in which pollinator shifts shape the macroevolution of floral form beyond predictable evolution of pollination syndromes.